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What is a Hawk?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Technically, a hawk is a bird of prey belonging to the sub-family Accipitrinae. However, the term may be used more broadly to refer to any bird in the family Accipitridae, which includes the Accipitrinae, or, even more broadly, to nearly any bird of prey. Many birds that do not belong to the Accipitridae family have common names including hawk.

Hawks live all around the world. There are over 50 species of true hawk, most of which belong to the genus Accipiter. Most birds of this genus are known as goshawks or sparrowhawks. Hawks are skilled hunters that may feed during the night or day. Their prey includes smaller birds, mammals and reptiles, depending on the species of hawk.

Hawks are birds of prey that belong to the sub-family Accipitrinae.
Hawks are birds of prey that belong to the sub-family Accipitrinae.

Hawks are believed to be among the smartest birds, according to Dr Louis Lefebvre's methods of determining avian intelligence quotient (IQ), and they are renowned for their excellent vision. The hawk eye has about five times as many photoreceptors as that of humans, in addition to special nerves and muscles unknown in the eyes of other animals. They also have an indented fovea, at the back of the eyeball, which serves to magnify the center of the visual field. The typical hawk is believed to have 20/2 vision, as opposed to the 20/20 vision of an average human. This means that a hawk can see an object 20 feet (6 meters) away that a human could only see from a distance of two feet (0.6 meters).

There are over 50 species of hawk.
There are over 50 species of hawk.

Because of their excellent eyesight, intelligence, and natural predatory behavior, hawks are often used instead of eagles or falcons in the sport of falconry, in which the birds are used to catch small game. Many types of hawk in the United States are endangered as a result of human predation. People may shoot hawks to protect their livestock or simply as sport. Many hawk species around the world are protected against such treatment by law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a bird as a hawk?

The most common hawk is the goshawk.
The most common hawk is the goshawk.

A hawk is a bird of prey, characterized by a sharp, hooked beak, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. They belong to the family Accipitridae, which includes other raptors like eagles and kites. Hawks are known for their hunting prowess, often seen soaring high in the sky searching for prey or perching stealthily before striking.

How many species of hawks are there worldwide?

Because of their intelligence, hawks are prized in the sport of falconry.
Because of their intelligence, hawks are prized in the sport of falconry.

There are more than 200 species of hawks found across the world, according to the Global Raptor Information Network. These species vary widely in size, habitat, and hunting strategies, but all share the common traits of keen vision and predatory skills that classify them as formidable birds of prey.

What do hawks typically eat?

Hawks are carnivorous and have a diet consisting mainly of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Their specific prey depends on the hawk's size and habitat. For instance, the Red-tailed Hawk, a common North American species, primarily feeds on rodents and rabbits, showcasing their role in controlling pest populations.

How do hawks hunt for their food?

Hawks employ various hunting techniques, including soaring at high altitudes to spot prey with their acute vision or waiting on perches to ambush unsuspecting animals. Once they spot a target, they dive at high speeds, using their sharp talons to capture or kill prey. Some species also hunt in pairs or groups.

Where can hawks be found in the world?

Hawks inhabit a diverse range of environments, from dense forests to open grasslands and even urban areas. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. The adaptability of hawks to different habitats is a testament to their evolutionary success, allowing them to thrive in various ecosystems around the globe.

Are hawk populations at risk, and what conservation efforts are in place?

While some hawk species maintain stable populations, others face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts include legal protection, habitat preservation, and public education. Organizations like the Peregrine Fund work globally to conserve birds of prey through research and advocacy, helping to ensure the survival of these majestic raptors.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon299922

In order for a human to see like a hawk, our eyes would have to be as big as dinner plates.

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    • Hawks are birds of prey that belong to the sub-family Accipitrinae.
      By: outdoorsman
      Hawks are birds of prey that belong to the sub-family Accipitrinae.
    • There are over 50 species of hawk.
      By: garytog
      There are over 50 species of hawk.
    • The most common hawk is the goshawk.
      By: Steve Byland
      The most common hawk is the goshawk.
    • Because of their intelligence, hawks are prized in the sport of falconry.
      By: emresalci
      Because of their intelligence, hawks are prized in the sport of falconry.